The Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development (The Harris Centre) was approved by Memorial University Board of Regents on September 8th, 2004. It is named in honour of Memorial University scholar and former president, Dr. Leslie Harris. Dr. Harris exemplifies the contribution of Memorial University to regional policy and development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our Mandate

The Harris Centre mandate seeks to co-ordinate and facilitate Memorial University’s activities relating to regional policy and development, advise on building the University’s capacity and identify priority themes and projects relating to: teaching, research and outreach

Our Vision

The Harris Centre’s vision for Newfoundland and Labrador is of a vibrant democracy with informed citizens actively engaged in realizing a prosperous and sustainable society which values individual and collective responsibility for decision-making and development, true to our unique culture and identity.

Our Values

The Harris Centre aspires to live up to the reputation of, Dr. Leslie Harris, in whose honour the Centre was named. The following five qualities guide the work done at the Harris Centre:

Integrity: The Harris Centre is an honest broker that harnesses the resources of the University in speaking truth to power at all levels.

Independence: The Harris Centre respects the professional expertise of Memorial’s faculty, staff and students in providing objective contributions to regional policy and development.

Transparency: The Harris Centre adopts best practices in governance, decision making and communications to ensure fair and open operations.

Collaboration: The Harris Centre recognizes the contributions of individual citizens, private, public and community organizations, as well as Memorial faculty, staff and students, in the collective advancement of regional policy and development.

Practical Application: The Harris Centre will encourage research, teaching and outreach that are relevant to the needs of the citizens, communities and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador and to the governance of the province.